"Implementation System Needed for Joint Climate Action Goals"…Ministry of Foreign Affairs Holds Roundtable on '5th Anniversary of Paris Agreement'

Lee Tae-ho Vice Minister: "Next year's 2nd P4G Summit Must Strengthen Commitment and Solidarity for Climate Response"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 11th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a Roundtable on Governance for Climate Action at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, aiming to strengthen our green governance and leadership in the post-COVID-19 era and secure momentum for the successful hosting of the 2nd P4G Summit next year.

Co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the international think tank Stimson Center, and the Global Challenges Foundation, this roundtable was attended by domestic and international experts in climate action. It consisted of two sessions: "Purpose-driven Climate Action and the Successful Hosting of COP26 (the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties) for the P4G Summit" and "International Finance for Innovation and Climate Action," featuring presentations and discussions.

Lee Tae-ho, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, said in his welcoming remarks, "Although COVID-19 has brought hardship to the world, paradoxically, it has sounded an alarm on climate change and environmental destruction." He added, "We hope that through the 2nd P4G Summit in 2021, the international community can promote green recovery in the post-COVID-19 economic rebuilding process and strengthen the will and solidarity for long-term climate response."

Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of the National Climate and Environment Council, stated in his congratulatory speech, "I urge the unity of nations and the restoration of multilateralism to confront global challenges such as COVID-19 and the climate crisis." He continued, "All countries must present concrete goals toward carbon neutrality by 2050, and I welcome the government's carbon neutrality declaration announced by President Moon Jae-in on the 10th accordingly."

Panel discussants agreed on the necessity of a system that unites government and public-private efforts in overcoming COVID-19 and climate change, enabling all stakeholders to make decisions and implement them responsibly toward a common goal. They emphasized that the 2021 P4G Summit should serve as a platform for green recovery, confirming the concrete commitments of each government toward the goal.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "The roundtable event, held at a time when domestic and international interest is rising due to the government's 2050 carbon neutrality declaration and Green New Deal policy announcement, conveyed a message to the international community that the global climate crisis response should be actively innovated as an opportunity for ‘inclusive and sustainable growth.’ It is evaluated as an opportunity to raise expectations that we will lead green growth through the 2021 P4G Summit."